Written by Michael Palomba
San Diego County Supervisors Desmond and Gaspar have not stopped in their fight to get property tax payments postponed for struggling San Diegans.
COVID-19 has taken unemployment to record highs. Residents all over the country are struggling with bills and financial commitments, and San Diegans are no exception.
“My office has been flooded with calls from businesses and residents,” said County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar. “People are very concerned.”
Gaspar and Desmond sent San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister their proposal for property tax relief last week.
Continuing my push for much-needed property tax relief for people affected by COVID-19, I'm working w/ @CalRestaurants & @jim_desmond to propose a property tax payment plan. Please call on County Tax Collector Dan McAllister to offer tax relief! dan.mcallister@sdcounty.ca.gov pic.twitter.com/rgZaTVnODL
— Kristin Gaspar (@KristinDGaspar) April 8, 2020
According to the letter, “The San Diego County Chapter of the California Restaurant Association has proposed the ‘COVID-19 Emergency 12 Month Escape Tax Bill Payment Plan Agreement’ which requires at least a 20% payment on or before April 10.”
Supervisor Gaspar said the plan would set up a four-year repayment process. Homeowners would need to put 20% down in addition to a $26 setup fee. Owners also have the option to pay off taxes early and put more money down at the start.
“If you can make your property tax payment, pay it,” Gaspar said. “There are a number of people who know they cannot pay it, and they are really worried right now. We have to get a signal from the treasurer-tax collector that they are not going to be slapped with these giant penalties.”
“Those who are directly impacted by the coronavirus and are unable to pay the second installment of their secured tax bill on time can file a penalty cancellation request,” said McAllister. All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis after April 10. This will require documentation showing why they were unable to pay their property taxes by the delinquent date.”
Gaspar said that many tax collectors in California have already signaled that they are ready to assist people who are unable to pay at this time, and San Diego residents need that same assurance.
“I’m looking for a path to yes,” Gaspar said. “If this isn’t the proposal, what is going to help us provide relief?”
